It’s been a tumultuous few years for the Florida Gators football program. After a decade of success, the team has seen a sharp decline in recent years, culminating in the hiring of new head coach Billy Napier in 2019. Now, as the Gators enter their second year under Napier, expectations are at their lowest point in nearly a decade.
The Gators’ struggles began in 2017, when they finished 4-7 and failed to make a bowl game for the first time since 2013. The following year, the team improved to 10-3 and made an appearance in the Peach Bowl, but they still failed to reach the heights of their previous successes.
The 2019 season saw further disappointment, as the team finished with an 8-5 record and lost to Michigan in the Peach Bowl. The lack of success led to the firing of head coach Dan Mullen and the hiring of Napier.
Napier’s first season with the Gators was a mixed bag. The team finished with a 6-4 record, but they failed to make a bowl game for the second consecutive year. This has led to low expectations heading into Napier’s second season.
The Gators have lost several key players from last season, including quarterback Kyle Trask and wide receiver Kadarius Toney. This has made it difficult for Napier to build a competitive team. Additionally, the team has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with several players opting out of the 2020 season due to health concerns.
Despite these challenges, Napier remains optimistic about the future of the program. He has made several changes to the coaching staff and brought in several highly-touted recruits. He also believes that the team will benefit from having a full offseason to prepare for the 2021 season.
Only time will tell if Napier can turn things around for the Gators. For now, expectations are at their lowest point in nearly a decade, and it will be up to Napier to prove that he can lead the team back to its former glory.
